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Code Enforcement

Code Enforcement & Property Maintenance

The Village of South Holland’s Code Enforcement program helps protect the health, safety, and quality of life of residents by ensuring properties are maintained in accordance with local ordinances and adopted building and property maintenance codes.

Code Enforcement focuses on education, voluntary compliance, and neighborhood preservation, using enforcement actions only when necessary.

What Code Enforcement Does

Code Enforcement Officers serve in multiple roles, including:

  • Property Maintenance Inspector

  • Building, electrical, plumbing, health, and housing inspector

  • Plan reviewer

  • Floodplain manager

While officers perform a wide range of inspections, their most visible role is addressing property maintenance concerns that affect neighborhoods and the community as a whole.

How the Code Enforcement Process Works

1. Filing a Complaint

Residents may report potential code violations by contacting the Code Enforcement Department by phone or email. Complaints are reviewed by staff and assigned to a Code Enforcement Officer for investigation.

All complaints are confidential.

Complainant information is used only for follow-up and is not released.

2. Investigation

Once a complaint is received, a Code Enforcement Officer conducts a site visit to determine whether a violation of the Village’s Municipal Ordinances or adopted codes exists.

If a violation is found, the responsible party or property owner is identified and notified.

3. Notification & Compliance

Notifications may be delivered in person, by phone, or in writing. Most cases focus on voluntary compliance and include a reasonable deadline to correct the issue.

In situations involving:

  • repeat violations

  • health or safety hazards

a citation may be issued without prior notice.

4. Further Enforcement (If Needed)

If violations are not corrected by the specified deadline:

  • A final notice may be issued with a new compliance date

  • Continued noncompliance may result in a summons to appear in municipal court

If a violation is confirmed by the court, a civil penalty (similar to a fine) may be imposed. Failure to appear in court can result in increased penalties.

Common Property Maintenance Concerns

The following list highlights some of the most common violations addressed by Code Enforcement. This list is not exhaustive.

Yard & Property Maintenance

  • Grass and lawns must be maintained under 6 inches

  • Overgrown weeds must not exceed 10 inches

  • Yards must be free of trash, debris, and rubbish

  • Seasonal decorations must be removed within two weeks after a holiday

Vehicles

  • Inoperable or unlicensed vehicles are not permitted in public view

  • Vehicles may not be parked on grass areas

  • Vehicle repairs must be performed inside a structure, not in driveways or streets

Garbage & Refuse

  • Garbage containers must be placed at the curb after 4:00 p.m. the day before pickup

  • Containers must be returned from the curb by 8:00 p.m. on pickup day

  • Containers must be stored behind the front setback when not in use, with lids secured

Structures & Buildings

  • Exterior siding, trim, windows, doors, soffits, and eaves must be maintained in good condition

  • Roofs must be watertight

  • Windows that open must have screens

  • Windows or doors may not be boarded up

  • Fences must be structurally sound

  • All structures must display a visible house number at least 4 inches high=

Signs & Pools

  • Real estate signs must be placed halfway between the sidewalk and the residence

  • Signs are not permitted in parkways

  • Standing or stagnant water creating a health hazard is not permitted

Questions or Concerns?

If you have questions about code enforcement, property maintenance standards, or would like to report a concern, please contact the Code Enforcement Department.

📞 Phone: 708.210.2900

📧 Email: code@southholland.orgs

A Note on Community Standards

The Village of South Holland enforces property maintenance standards to preserve neighborhood character, protect public health and safety, and maintain the quality of life residents expect. Most issues are resolved through cooperation and communication.

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